The Courteous Seller

Everyone knows that moving house is stressful. Not only do we have to juggle the emotional aspect of the upheaval of a house move, but the contractual uncertainty we experience in this country means that we are often on a knife edge, just hoping the deal will eventually cross the line.

However, there is also a practical aspect that plays its part in ensuring not only a smooth move, but, additionally, enduring goodwill that can significantly add to the enjoyment of home ownership. It can also hold a sale together that might otherwise have fallen through. This is the courtesy and consideration of the seller during the transaction – right up to the day of completion.

From a seller’s perspective, marketing a property can be hard work, especially during a tighter market where there are several homes competing for buyers’ attention. But it goes such a long way when the buyer actually likes/respects the seller (it’s part of the vibe of the property). So a good tidy, declutter, mowed lawn, clean windows, fresh flowers etc for every viewing can pay dividends. Even though you might not be physically present for viewings, you want the buyer to think that “nice people live here!”

However, as a seller, your greatest contribution to your buyer’s future happiness (and your own reputation) is when the time comes to complete the purchase. Although in theory, you could just pick up your things and move out on completion day, how would the buyer feel? This may be their dream home, but they’ll be disappointed as they take possession if they find that the garden is unkempt, the bathroom, kitchen and carpets have not been cleaned, cupboards have dust and crumbs in them, lightbulbs are missing, and, horror of horrors, there is no loo roll to be found anywhere!

Of course, there is a lot to be done on moving day and the last thing a seller wants to be doing is cleaning the place they are leaving. Many people therefore employ a professional cleaning company to give the property a good clean as the seller leaves. After all, it’s your reputation among your former neighbours that is at stake here – would you really want the new owners telling everyone that you left the house filthy? How much nicer for them to say “and there was even a bottle of bubbly in the fridge!”

Sometimes, common courtesies and a little thought go a long way when it comes to ensuring a smooth move for all concerned. We’ll do our bit as estate agents, and we’d urge our fabulous clients to do the same.